Explosive-carrying drones hit a Colombian army base in Santa Rosa del Sur on November 7, killing three soldiers and seriously injuring 16; the defense minister said the attack may have been retaliation by the ELN, which had not confirmed involvement.
The military base is in Bolívar department. Armed groups compete for influence in the region around gold-mining areas. The Army said the drones carried explosives.
Footage shared on social media showed explosions and smoke rising from the base as soldiers took cover. The Army said 31 other members of the unit were affected, besides the 16 who were seriously injured. Defense Minister Jorge Eduardo Mora linked the attack to the recent arrest of a man whom authorities identify as an ELN figure.
He described retaliation as a possibility, rather than saying who carried out the strike. The ELN had not publicly claimed responsibility. The president vowed to pursue those behind the attack.
The Gulf Clan and dissident factions of the former FARC also contest the area. This highlights the difficult security situation around Santa Rosa del Sur.